How to tell if your serpentine belt needs to be replaced?

Look for signs of damage or wear on the belt. Once you have located the serpentine belt, inspect it visually for signs of damage. If the belt is frayed, coming apart, or has marks that indicate that it has been rubbing on something, it will need to be replaced.

Where do I find the serpentine belt routing diagram?

Find the serpentine belt routing diagram. Many cars come with a sticker in the engine bay that shows exactly how the serpentine belt is supposed to be routed through the various pulleys on the engine. If your vehicle does not have a sticker, you will need to find another way to remember how the belt should be run.

What kind of pulley does a serpentine belt use?

Determine if there is a belt tensioner pulley. Depending on the application, your serpentine belt will either have tension placed on it using a movable bracket or an auto tensioner pulley. This pulley uses an internal spring to apply consistent pressure to the belt at all times.

How do you remove a pulley belt from a car?

With the tension relieved from the belt, pull it off of the pulley that has been placing tension on it, then remove it from the around the rest of the pulleys on the engine. If the belt is severely damaged, be sure to remove any parts that may have come off of it as well. Compare the new belt to the old one.

Can a serpentine belt be added to an engine?

An Easy Serpentine Belt Upgrade For Your Engine. Whether your engine is dressed for show or if it is all business, it is equipped with a pulley and belt system to spin accessories such as air conditioning, power steering, the water pump, and alternator.

Where is the tensioner on a serpentine belt?

When using a serpentine belt system, all of the accessories that are being driven are fixed, they do not adjust in order to tension the belt. In this system, there is typically one spring-loaded tensioner located somewhere in the system that the belt travels over.

Where does the P / S Pump go in a serpentine belt?

Water pump pulley installed. Before you mount the P/S pump to the driver’s side main bracket, you must place the spacer as shown in the photo group below. Be sure to run the pump mounting bolts through the pump and spacer, and then into the main bracket.

Who are the creators of the serpentine belt?

Concept One is a company that was founded by Randy and Kevin Redd. They have been building serpentine systems for Chevy and Ford vehicles since 2001. The company was founded on the premise of developing high-quality components for enthusiasts.

How long does it take to change a serpentine belt?

Using a serpentine belt tool to loosen the tensioner and a belt placement tool to position the belt, we completed the entire job in less than 15 minutes, without breaking a sweat (or a knuckle). The serpentine belt tool comes with an assortment of sockets, making it the perfect choice for all the cars in your family.

How to tell if a serpentine belt is good or bad?

Draw a line on the belt ribs with a silver permanent marker. Then shoot a photo with your smartphone. The app will tell you if the serp belt is good or bad. First-generation serpentine belts were made from a nitrile compound that cracked with use.

How can I increase the tension on my serpentine belt?

Increase the tension on the belt. If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt.

Where do I find the serpentine belt on my car?

To access the serpentine belt, you will need to open the hood of the vehicle. The hood release can usually be found near the door on the driver’s side of the vehicle. With the hood released, you will also need to release the safety latch located at the front of the vehicle.

How do you remove a serpentine belt from a battery?

Use the appropriate sized wrench or socket to loosen the nut holding the black ground cable on the negative terminal of the battery. Slide the cable off of the terminal and tuck it to the side of the battery. You will not need to disconnect the positive terminal. Locate the serpentine belt.

How often should a serpentine belt be replaced?

Most serpentine belts need to be replaced every 40,000 to 70,000 miles. If there are signs of the belt rubbing on something, make sure to identify and repair whatever it was rubbing on to avoid damaging the new belt.

How is the tension set on a serpentine belt?

Depending on the application, your serpentine belt will either have tension placed on it using a movable bracket or an auto tensioner pulley. This pulley uses an internal spring to apply consistent pressure to the belt at all times. If your vehicle does not have a tensioner pulley, the alternator bracket is likely how tension is set on the belt.

What causes the serpentine belt to come off a Dodge Journey?

All bearings appear sound and the belt is still coming off. Vehicle is a 2012 Dodge Journey. Help please. Would a cocked tensioner cause the serpintine belt to come off. I had problem with 2000 Pontiac Montana throwing the serpentine belt.

How to install serpentine belt on Chevy Malibu?

1. Remove the oil cap 2. Lift the engine cover 3. Reinstall the oil cap 4. Loosen hose clamp on air box 5. Remove hose from engine cover 6. Remove engine cover 7. Disconnect electrical connector 8. Disconnect air box cover clamps 9. Move air box cover aside 10. Remove 10mm bolt on air box 11. Remove air box 12.

What happens if a serpentine belt goes bad?

The serpentine belt in most modern vehicles transfers power from the crank pulley to the various accessories mounted on the engine. A worn or damaged serpentine belt can fail to adequately transfer the power, leaving your alternator, power steering, and air conditioning failing to function.

How can you tell if a new belt is the wrong belt?

Look at the new belt in comparison to the old one to be sure they are the same width and have the same number of ribs going across the belt horizontally. The old belt may be slightly longer than the new one due to stretching. If the new belt is not the same width as the old one, it is the wrong belt.

What happens when you loosen a serpentine belt?

If your vehicle uses the alternator bracket to apply tension to the belt, loosen the two bolts that pass through the long eyelets on the bracket. As you loosen the bolts, the tension on the belt will likely move the alternator toward the engine and relieve the pressure. Loosen the bolts enough to move the alternator, but don’t remove them.

How to bypass an air conditioning compressor with a serpentine belt?

Take the marked string to the parts store and advise them that you need a belt of that length. Serpentine belts have varied sizes; the last four digits of the part number are the length of the belt in centimeters. Get the next available size up and down to make certain you find a good fit.

What causes glazing at the edges of a serpentine belt?

Glazing at the edges of a serpentine belt, or on its ridges or in the grooves, results from the belt slipping. It indicates that friction between the belt and the accessory drive pulley (s) created by slipping has overheated the belt. Fraying at the edge of a belt indicates pulley misalignment.

Is the water pump driven by the serpentine belt?

Another important device driven by the serpentine belt is the water pump. This is not always the case as on a lot of cars the water pump is driven by the timing belt. You should have this in mind so you don’t falsely “accuse” the serpentine belt for overheating.

What to look for in a serpentine belt inspection?

Look for tears or abrasions. If you see any it means the serpentine drive belt is rubbing a pulley flange or bolt as it winds its way around. This will happen more often as the drive belt gets older. If this happens you may need to file a pulley flange smooth or bend something out of the way. Also look for pinholes and/or bumps.

Is the serpentine belt a serious car problem?

A serpentine belt problem is one of the more serious car problems. Not serious in terms of replacement but rather in terms of the consequences it may have if neglected or not recognized on time. This belt has a huge and important role in the proper functioning of your car. So, if you don’t take action on time, it may cause severe damage.

When is the best time to replace a serpentine belt?

This is a good time to look for oil leaks, too. Oil can increase wear on serpentine belts. Most importantly, take the tensioner pulley and any idler pulleys (these are pulleys that do not drive anything, like Power Steering) and give them a spin.

What to look for in a serpentine drive engine?

Also look for pinholes and/or bumps. If you see any it means dirt and debris are getting in between the serpentine drive belt and the pulleys. Turn the belt around and see if there are chunks of the ribs missing. You can crank the engine to expose sections of the belt as you inspect.

How do you route a serpentine belt in a Prizm?

Route the new serpentine belt through the pulleys of your Prizm’s engine. Follow the diagram for the exact routing path, matching the notched sides of the belt with the notched pulleys, and the smooth side of the belt on the opposite side with the smooth pulleys.

Do you have to replace the belt on a Prizm?

In certain models of the Prizm, the belt will drive more components than in others, but the overall removal and installation process is the same no matter what year or type of Prizm you are driving. If the belt frays or stretches over time, replace it to keep your Prizm safely on the road.

How do you change the pulley on a Prizm?

Apply pressure to the pulley to open it, slide the new belt over the pulley and allow the tensioner to tighten against the belt. Replace the battery lead, close the hood and start the engine . Let your Prizm run for a few minutes before driving, to allow the tensioner pulley a chance to adjust to the new belt.

When was the new serpentine car belt invented?

The new serpentine belt, which was invented in 1979 is a much wider belt then the traditional automotive belt. This wider belt can be put under much tighter tension, which removes a lot of slippage and friction experienced by older belt systems.

Why is my serpentine belt cracking under the hood?

That awful squealing beneath the hood may be coming from a frayed or cracked serpentine belt. It’s a crucial part of the engine assembly—here are step-by-step instructions for replacing your serpentine belt without bringing your car to the shop.

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt on a Dodge Caravan?

The average cost for a Dodge Grand Caravan serpentine belt replacement is between $105 and $115. Labor costs are estimated between $40 and $51 while parts are priced at $65. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.

How often should a BMW serpentine belt be replaced?

Replacement intervals vary by vehicle and driving conditions. We typically see this part replaced approximately every 100,000 miles.

What does the serpentine belt on a sprinter do?

The serpentine belt – sometimes referred to as the fan belt, alternator belt, or accessory drive belt – is used to spin, or “drive,” several components attached to the engine. It drives the alternator that powers the electrical system and recharges the battery.

How long does it take to replace serpentine belt?

Once on, make sure the belt is completely on and centered on each pulley very carefully. Then, start the engine. Let the engine idle for at least 60 seconds as you make sure the serpentine belt is working correctly. Replace any other parts or coverings you’ve removed before taking your vehicle for a spin.

Why is my serpentine belt squealing when I turn the wheel?

Squealing from power steering or air conditioning: The serpentine belt controls peripherals such as power steering and air conditioning, and these devices take a lot of torque from the belt to turn, so if you turn the wheel, or turn on the AC and hear squealing, the chances are, your belt has worn.

How do you replace the belt on an engine?

Loop the replacement belt on the engine following the path laid out on the routing diagram. Run it around every pulley except the idler pulley, making sure the belt doesn’t twist or kink along the way. Pull up the tensioner again with the breaker bar, then pull the belt over the idler pulley.

What kind of engine does a Dodge Dakota have?

The 4.7l V-8 Dodge engine is popular in the Dodge Dakota, mainly because of its high horsepower numbers in a low weight chassis. Like many modern V-8 engines, several critical engine parts and accessories are driven by a single belt, known as a serpentine belt.

What happens when the serpentine belt on a V-8 breaks?

Like many modern V-8 engines, several critical engine parts and accessories are driven by a single belt, known as a serpentine belt. When this breaks or wears out, the belts will squeal and eventually break, leaving you on the side of the road with a dead engine.

Can a harmonic balancer be removed from a timing belt?

Determine if the harmonic balancer pulley needs to be removed to remove the timing belt cover. Often, the cover saddles over the end of the crankshaft, and this pulley will not allow you to remove the cover without first removing it.

What to do if your belt is loose after routing?

If the belt is loose after routing it, it is either the wrong size belt or you’ve routed it incorrectly. Apply pressure on the auto tensioner and put the belt over it. Use the same wrench to loosen the auto tensioner pulley, then pull the belt over it. Once the belt is in place, release the pressure on the tensioner so it holds the belt in place.

How do you tighten a serpentine belt on a car?

If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.

How do you change a serpentine belt on a car?

Belt tensioners are mostly spring tension. Once installed, the spring retains pressure to the belt. Once on, make sure the belt is completely on and centered on each pulley very carefully. Then, start the engine. Let the engine idle for at least 60 seconds as you make sure the serpentine belt is working correctly.

What happens if the serpentine belt goes bad?

If the belt is worn enough to slip, it’s going to start wearing out faster. If it breaks, the broken belt could flip around in the engine compartment and potentially cause major damage to your vehicle. What Happens When the Serpentine Belt Goes Bad?

How to replace the serpentine belt in a Ford Explorer?

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt in a Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer has one dedicated drive belt that runs the engine accessories. The drive belt is called a serpentine belt because it snakes around various pulleys under the hood including the crankshaft, alternator and accessories. This article refers to model years from 1991-2001.

What’s the best way to replace a serpentine belt?

Auto tensioners have either a hole that will fit a half inch drive ratchet, or a bolt you can use a socket to apply pressure to. Insert the wrench or place the socket over the bolt on the tensioner and twist it away from the belt to relieve the tension on it.

Why is the drive belt called the serpentine belt?

The drive belt is called a serpentine belt because it snakes around various pulleys under the hood including the crankshaft, alternator and accessories. This article refers to model years from 1991-2001.

How do you remove the serpentine belt on a Ford F-250?

While holding the tool in place to release tension, unhook the serpentine belt from the tensioner pulley. Once you have it off one pulley, you can release the tool to be able to use both hands to remove it from the rest of the pulleys. F-250s and Super Duties with gas engines will have the same belt routing diagrams as their F-150 counterparts.

Where is the serpentine belt tensioner on a Ford truck?

It’ll be in the gap between the engine block and the fan. Insert either your 1/2” drive ratchet or your belt remover tool into the tensioner. Rotate clockwise towards driver side. Figure 2. The serpentine belt tensioner is highlighted above. It looks and operates the same way in most Ford V8s and V6s. That includes diesels.

Can you remove a tension belt on a 2009 Ford F-150?

The one exception is if you have a 2009 and later F-150 with a 3.5L EcoBoost or 3.7L V6. Those engines have a non-adjustable tensioner. To remove the belt, you will need a stretchy belt installer/remover. Insert your 1/2″ drive ratchet or belt removal tool into the hole on the tensioner.

How do you remove a tension pulley on a Ford F-150?

To remove the belt, you will need a stretchy belt installer/remover. Insert your 1/2″ drive ratchet or belt removal tool into the hole on the tensioner. Rotate it clockwise towards the driver side to release tension. You can now release the tool and use both hands to remove the rest of the belt Figure 2.

What causes a squealing noise from the serpentine belt?

If you notice a squealing noise coming from the front of your vehicle, it could be from the serpentine belt. This could be due to a slippage or misalignment. The only way to make the noise go away is to contact a professional mechanic and have them replace the serpentine/drive belt or diagnose the issue. 2. Power steering and AC not working

What do you need to know about serpentine belts?

While most cars today only have a serpentine belt to control various systems, some vehicles have other belts. For example, select older rides may have a series of V belts in place of the serpentine belt. Some cars also have a timing belt to drive water pumps and oil pumps to the engine and other important parts.

Are there serpentine belts at Sun Auto Service?

Yes, Sun Auto Service has a team of ASE-certified technicians who install quality and durable serpentine belts to keep your vehicle running at its best. Our serpentine belts are constructed of the best rubber compounds for heavy-duty protection.

Some model vehicles have the serpentine belt easily accessible, which means the labor should take under one hour. But if the belt is in a more complicated area, it could take about 2 hours. Easy to reach belts can actually be changed at home with minimal tools.

When to replace O’Reilly serpentine belt tensioner?

Replacing the belt and tensioner may solve these problems. If there are cracks and other signs of wear on the belt, it may also be time to replace the serpentine belt. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries serpentine belts, tensioners, and all the parts you need for your complete repair.

How does the serpentine belt on a Ford truck work?

Insert either your 1/2” drive ratchet or your belt remover tool into the tensioner. Rotate clockwise towards driver side. Figure 2. The serpentine belt tensioner is highlighted above. It looks and operates the same way in most Ford V8s and V6s.

Can you change serpentine belt on EcoBoost V6?

The 3.5L Ecoboost V6, 3.7L V6, and 5.0L Coyote V8 all have non-adjustable tensioners, meaning you cannot simply loosen the tensioner to remove the belt. To change serpentine belts, you’ll either have to allow a shop to do it, or use a stretchy belt remover/installer to do it yourself. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.

How much should it cost to replace a serpentine belt?

RepairPal.com notes the average cost of a serpentine belt replacement can cost anywhere from $76 to $164, with labor estimates in the $35 and $100 range, whereas parts could cost $41 to $64. A few members on Slickdeals.net talked about the costs they had paid for their serpentine belt,…

When should you replace the serpentine belt?

How do you loosen a serpentine belt?

Less than half a turn is too much tension, and more than half a turn is not enough. If you wish to remove the serpentine belt, simply loosen one of the pulleys with a ratchet and socket, and slip the belt off with your hands.

How easy is it to change the serpentine belt?

How to Replace Your Serpentine Belt Note the placement of belt. Serpentine belts have that name for a reason. Loosen and unthread the belt. Before removing the belt, you’ll need to release the tensioner, which automatically keeps the belt taut while you’re driving. Check for damage. After removing the belt, inspect it for signs of damage. Install the new belt.

Why is my new belt longer than my old belt?

The old belt may be slightly longer than the new one due to stretching. If the new belt is not the same width as the old one, it is the wrong belt. Make sure the new belt doesn’t show any signs of damage from the factory or it may tear after you install it. Route the belt through the pulleys.

How can I tell when to replace my serpentine belt?

Your mechanic can let you know when to replace the serpentine belt or how many miles it has left. Look on the inside of the belt (the ribbed side that touches the pulleys on the alternator, water pumps, and other engine accessories).

How did the serpentine belt get its name?

The serpentine belt is aptly named for the way it snakes around the pulleys inside the engine bay. This long, winding rubber belt powers many of the important systems of your vehicle by transferring power from the engine’s crankshaft to the accessory pulleys.

How do you stretch a PowerStroke serpentine belt?

Pull the belt off the accessory pulleys and crankshaft pulley by hand. Stretch the old belt out alongside the new serpentine belt to ensure they are the same length.

What is the serpentine belt on a Mazda 6?

The serpentine belt in the Mazda 6 is a single, continuous belt that drives the crankshaft of the engine along with the alternator, water pump, air conditioner and the power steering pump.

What happens if the serpentine belt is not working?

It provides power for the air conditioning, alternator, power steering, and sometimes the cooling system water pump. The serpentine belt is a critical part of this system, and once the engine is running, it continues to operate until the vehicle is shut off. Without a properly functioning serpentine belt, the engine may not run at all.

How many stars does masterpro serpentine belt get?

5 out of 5 stars. Read reviews for MasterPro Serpentine Belt When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.

How is the O’Reilly masterpro serpentine belt rated?

Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. 5 out of 5 stars. Read reviews for MasterPro Serpentine Belt

How often should you replace the serpentine belt?

On average, serpentine belts should last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, if you’re only putting a few thousand miles annually on your vehicle, don’t use that mileage interval as the sole guide for when to replace the serpentine belt.

What happens if you have a bad serpentine belt?

The serpentine belt allows the power steering system to function properly. Power steering is what gives drivers the ability to smoothly steering their vehicle without needing to apply too much pressure. But if you have a bad serpentine belt, then it will be harder to move the steering wheel to steer your vehicle.

How often should you change your serpentine belt?

The serpentine belt “snakes” around several components of the engine, transferring mechanical power to nearly every critical part. Under normal conditions, the belt needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years. However, those living in areas where the temperature and humidity can vary greatly throughout the year may need to change it more frequently.

When should a serpentine belt be changed?

When to Replace. Serpentine belts typically last around five years or up to 100,000 miles. Obviously, if signs of wear and tear are clearly visible on the belt, it should be replaced immediately. But sometimes even excessive wear is difficult to see just by peering under the hood and examining the belt.

How much to replace a serpentine belt?

It is very inexpensive to replace a serpentine belt whether it’s broken or loose. The replacement cost is only going to be between $100 and $200 in most cases. The belt itself will cost between $25 and $80 while the labor costs will probably be between $75 and $120. Taxes and fees will be added onto these prices too.

How to tell if your serpentine belt needs to be replaced?